Changes to Affordable Housing Allocations

Westminster faces some of the most acute housing pressures in the country. Demand for affordable housing continues to grow, while the number of homes available remains extremely limited.

The Council believes it is important to have an open and honest conversation about the reality of housing in Westminster and how scarce housing resources can be used fairly and sustainably. This consultation seeks views on three proposed changes to affordable housing allocations and how they could work in practice.

1. Private Rented Sector Offers

The Council is seeking views on how to implement a Private Rented Sector Offers Policy. This would allow the Council to discharge its homelessness duty by making an offer of suitable private rented accommodation to some homeless households.

There are currently around 7,300 households on Westminster's Housing Register and many households face long waits for Social Housing, with some larger families waiting over twenty years because there are not enough homes available to meet demand. The Council believes it is important to be honest about these realities.

Private Rented Sector Offers will help households access settled accommodation sooner rather than remaining in temporary accommodation for extended periods while waiting for Social Housing. Introducing this option would also bring Westminster in line with most other London boroughs, which already have this option available.

The consultation seeks views on the policy and how it should work in practice. This includes who should be exempt, whether households receiving an offer should remain on the Housing Register, and what support should be available where relocation is required.

2. Legacy Employment Points

Employment Points, which gave some working households additional priority for Social Housing, were removed from Westminster's Housing Allocation Scheme in 2025. However, households that already held these points retained them on a temporary transitional basis as Legacy Employment Points.

The Council is seeking views on whether these remaining Legacy Employment Points should now be removed following a legal ruling which found that they can indirectly discriminate against people who are unable to work, including some disabled people and carers.

3. Intermediate Housing for Key Workers

The Council is also seeking views on how Intermediate Housing is allocated to Key Workers.

The consultation asks whether the definition of a Key Worker should be broadened to include a wider range of people who are essential to Westminster's economy, communities and public services.

Views are also being sought on the priority that Key Workers should receive when Intermediate homes are allocated and whether some homes should be prioritised for people employed close to them.

Teachers, nurses, care workers, police officers and many others make a vital contribution to Westminster. The Council wants to ensure that its Intermediate Housing policies properly reflect that contribution and support the people who help keep Westminster's communities, public services and economy functioning.

Have your say

There are two surveys: one covering Private Rented Sector Offers and Legacy Employment Points, and another covering Intermediate Housing for Key Workers.

Both surveys are open from 29th October to 9th December 2026. Feedback received through the consultation will help inform the Council's consideration of these proposals before any decisions are made.

The different types of Affordable Housing

Social Housing

• Social Housing is housing with low rent, which is much lower than a normal market rent.
• These homes are owned by the Council or by registered providers (housing associations) and are primarily allocated to people and households on the Social Housing Register. Our Housing Allocation Scheme explains who can apply and is eligible.

Intermediate Housing

• Intermediate Housing is housing to rent or buy at a lower cost than normal market housing. In Westminster, this usually means homes to rent. These homes are generally owned by registered providers (housing associations).
• Intermediate Housing is for people on middle incomes that cannot afford private rents or to buy a home but do not qualify for Social Housing.
• You can find out who is eligible and how it is allocated here.

Why both types of Affordable Housing matter

Both Social Housing and Intermediate Housing is needed in Westminster. Social Housing provides stable and affordable homes for those with low incomes, while Intermediate Housing bridges the gap, providing homes for those with higher incomes but are priced out of the market. New housing developments through our planning policies are expected to provide both types of housing. The Mayor of London also requires both sorts of housing.

Find out more about the changes and have your say by clicking on the “Have your say” pages below.